The last two weeks have seen some hot competition at the Rarotonga Golf Club.

On July 31, the final round of the Stroke Championship was held, with some players improving out of sight and others falling by the wayside.

In the senior men’s division, the three front runners all carded a 73 off the stick which meant that Sonny Karati maintained his lead to take out the title with a total of 213 from Daniel Webb and Royle Brogan, both with 221.

In the senior ladies’ division Tuaine Marsters had a three stroke lead going into the final day and increased her lead by 1 stroke to be the victor on 243 over Kurai Foster who finished with 247.

Pape Aviu’s lead was enough to overcome his lapse on the day with an 83 and emerge the winner of the intermediate men’s division with 237 over Aukino Tairea’s 245.

In the intermediate ladies, Tai Raina almost fell at the post (to use a racing term) with a 91 on the last day, but still managed to finish up the leader on 264 ahead of Terangi Teokotai on 266.

Jackson Enua improved with every round to finish with 257 in the junior ‘A’ men’s and keep Rob Coote (262) at bay, while Darrell Brown played steady golf to emerge victorious on 277 over ‘uncle’ Moe Ponga on 286.

The biggest turn-around came in the junior ladies division.

Going into the last day, Mafini Teura held a seemingly unbeatable lead of 16 stroke.

However, Mafini lost concentration on the day and finished with a 108.

Leanne Kiria, her nearest rival, had her best round of the championships, carding a 92 to make it all square after 54 holes. At the first play-off hole (the 16th) Leanne finally emerged as the winner.

The vet’s division yielded no surprises and Tom J Marsters, after rounds of 72, 71, and 71 was the predictable winner on a total of 214 over Riiti Mamanu on 240.

Last Saturday was the ever popular A R & E Henry Memorial Tournament and a large field took part in this annual competition.

Best of the men in this stableford competition was Ben Areai with 44 points, outclassing Paul Lynch and Tom J Marsters who both finished with 42.

Best of the ladies was Terangi Teokotai on a count back from Lynn Webb.

Both finished with 41 points.

Jojo Karati received the prize for best junior after scoring 39 points.

The club and all the members express their gratitude to the Henry family for their continuing generous sponsorship of this prestigious tournament.

This Saturday is a normal sweep day, since the Edgewater Tournament has been postponed until August 28. As usual, good luck to all golfers.